The County Council of Kent met on Thursday, 17 September 2026, to formally grant the Freedom of the County of Kent to the Brigade of Gurkhas. This honour was bestowed upon the Brigade in recognition of their distinguished service to the Crown and the United Kingdom, and their significant connection to the county.

Freedom of the County for the Brigade of Gurkhas

The County Council unanimously voted to grant the Freedom of the County of Kent to the Brigade of Gurkhas. This decision was made following a proposal by Linden Kemkaran, Leader of the Council, who highlighted the Brigade's long and distinguished history of service to the Crown and the United Kingdom, dating back to 1815. Councillor Kemkaran emphasised the Gurkhas' extraordinary courage, loyalty, and self-sacrifice, noting their participation in numerous global conflicts and their receipt of many gallantry awards.

The motion was seconded by Richard Palmer, Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, who spoke about the shared history between Gurkha soldiers and those from Kent, particularly referencing their service together in Burma during the Second World War. He also acknowledged the Gurkhas' continued service in more recent times and their support for civil authorities during times of need.

Numerous councillors spoke in support of the motion, underscoring the Gurkhas' bravery and their significant contributions to the nation. Many highlighted the strong presence of Gurkha regiments and their families within Kent, specifically mentioning their bases at Sir John Moore Barracks in Folkestone and Invicta Barracks in Maidstone. Councillors noted that Gurkha soldiers and their families have become an integral part of local communities, enriching the county through their dedication, humility, and strong sense of public service.

Several speakers, including Tim Prater, noted that this award coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Royal Gurkha Rifles' presence in Kent. The Gurkha motto, better to die than be a coward, was frequently referenced, as was their reputation for exceptional bravery and loyalty. The positive impact of the Nepalese and ex-Gurkha communities on the social fabric of towns such as Folkestone, Maidstone, Dover, and Canterbury was also a recurring theme.

During the debate, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Parr, commanding officer of the 36th Engineer Regiment and Queen's Gurkha Engineers, and Major Babrindra, Gurkha Major of the 1st Battalion, the Royal Gurkha Rifles, addressed the council. They expressed their deep gratitude for the honour, highlighting the long-standing relationship between the Brigade and the people of Kent. They spoke of the welcome and support the Gurkha community had received, and how Kent had become a true home for many. The council was informed that this was only the second time in the history of Kent County Council that the Freedom of Kent had been awarded, the previous recipient being HMS Kent and her ship's company in late 2023.

The motion was put to a recorded vote and passed with an overwhelming majority of 69 votes in favour, with two abstentions and no objections. The requirement for a two-thirds majority was therefore comfortably met.

The meeting also included the Lord's Prayer, an acknowledgement of apologies for absence, and a declaration of interests, all of which were standard procedural items.